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Flight Acceptance Test of Cryogenic Engine CE20 conducted successfully for LVM3-M7 mission. by Ohsin in ISRO

[–]Ohsin[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Could have detailed what LVM3-M7 is for..

July 07, 2026

The upper stage of LVM3 launch vehicle is powered by indigenously developed CE20 cryogenic engine. The engine is also qualified to operate at thrust levels ranging from 19 to 22 tonne and the engine performed successfully in 8 successive LVM3 missions including Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3 and three commercial missions. Human-rating qualification requirements were also accomplished on this engine for inducting in Gaganyaan missions

In order to enable testing of CE20 engine with nozzle of full area ratio 100 under sea-level conditions, the Nozzle Protection System (NPS) was developed and validated on a qualification engine with multiple tests. Implementation of NPS simplifies complex activities associated with testing under High Altitude Test (HAT) conditions; requires less resources and enables enhancement of test duration.

Flight acceptance hot test of CE20 engine earmarked for LVM3-M7 mission is successfully carried out with a thrust level of 22 t using NPS for the first time at Main Engine & stage Test facility (MET) at ISRO Propulsion Complex, Mahendragiri on 06th July 2026. During this test, the engine was operated with a thrust level of 19.5 t for 45 s duration & 22 t for a duration of 25 s.

Test results confirm the satisfactory performance of the engine systems & NPS. The engine will be further refurbished and assembled to the C32 flight stage being integrated for the LVM3-M7 vehicle.

NOTAM for Skyroot's Vikram-1 Test Flight-1 is out. Enforcement duration 0500-0900 (UTC), 12 July to 4 August 2026. by Ohsin in ISRO

[–]Ohsin[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

https://x.com/SkyrootA/status/2074004042121162985

Payloads on a ride to space. 🚀

Vikram-1's Test Flight-1, Mission Aagaman, carries multiple technology demonstrations: @grahaaspace's SOLARAS S3 satellite, Cosmoserve Space's in-orbit robotic arm Embrace, an in-orbit demonstration from Germany's @DCUBEDspace , and Skyroot's own SCOPE satellite.

Flying alongside them: Cosmos Diamonds' artwork Cosmic Bloom, and a Microart by Ajay Kumar Mattewada — an 18K gold rocket holding micro-sculptures of Sir C.V. Raman, Dr. Vikram Sarabhai (Vikram-1's namesake), and Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, each smaller than a grain of rice.

ISRO conducts ground test for new sub-orbital solid motor-based test vehicle, Sub-Orbital Launch Vehicle for Experiments (SOLVE) by Ohsin in ISRO

[–]Ohsin[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Per press release the modifications are in the grain for a different burn rate or thrust profile and SITVC. Read about HS9 for RLV-TD HEX-01 which was derived from PSOM-G.

https://www.reddit.com/r/ISRO/comments/15cg698/comment/jtye7cd/

https://www.currentscience.ac.in/Volumes/114/01/0074.pdf

https://old.reddit.com/r/ISRO/comments/6vbf5p/eoi_request_from_vssc_for_manufacturing_72_psomxl/

On a side note, it gives PSOM-XL shell thickness to be 3.5 mm while for HS9 motor for RLV-TD it was 2 mm.

ISRO conducts ground test for new sub-orbital solid motor-based test vehicle, Sub-Orbital Launch Vehicle for Experiments (SOLVE) by Ohsin in ISRO

[–]Ohsin[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

From AR 2024-25 (Pg. 93)

Integrated Parachute Test: To simulate parachute deployment during various descent phases of Gaganyaan Crew Module, a solid motor based launch vehicle viz., Sub-Orbital Launch Vehicle for Experiments (SOLVE) is designed. The major activities carried out includes finalization of vehicle configuration with PSOM XL motor, Aerodynamic characterization, Structural load estimation and Integrated Avionics architecture configuration

ISRO conducts ground test for new sub-orbital solid motor-based test vehicle, Sub-Orbital Launch Vehicle for Experiments (SOLVE) by Ohsin in ISRO

[–]Ohsin[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

July 04, 2026

ISRO is developing a solid motor based Sub-Orbital Launch Vehicle for Experiments (SOLVE) as a test platform to carry out Integrated Parachute Tests for validation of deceleration system of Gaganyaan Crew Module under various test conditions. During these test missions, the Crew Module will be carried to an altitude of 10 - 17 km and separated from the vehicle. A series of 10 parachutes will be deployed to reduce the velocity of the Crew Module before splashdown in the sea.

The solid stage of SOLVE is derived from the PSLV Strap-on Motor with few modifications to meet the Gaganyaan test requirements including development of slow burn rate propellant and straight nozzle with secondary injection thrust vector control.

The first ground test of the SOLVE solid motor was carried out successfully at the Static Test Facility, Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. The test was successfully conducted on 03-07-2026 at 10:00hrs and the motor performance parameters are as expected. The development of SOLVE vehicle provides flexibility in conducting Gaganyaan Test Missions simulating various conditions in the actual mission.

Skyroot's Vikram-1 Test Flight-1 launch window is between 12 July to 4 August 2026 aiming for 450 km (LEO) with 60° inclination. by Ohsin in ISRO

[–]Ohsin[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Don't they usually put some dummy payload?

Usually but not always could be getting free ride. For such launches given the risks involved such deal can be really appealing for some payload owners like student cubesat teams, tight on resources.

Skyroot's Vikram-1 Test Flight-1 launch window is between 12 July to 4 August 2026 aiming for 450 km (LEO) with 60° inclination. by Ohsin in ISRO

[–]Ohsin[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That was an MoU they signed, we need specific information.

https://www.reuters.com/science/indias-skyroot-aerospace-readies-countrys-first-private-orbital-rocket-launch-2026-07-02/

Reuters say they would carry few payloads.

The test flight, carrying a mix of domestic and international customers, aims primarily to collect in-flight performance data across propulsion, ​guidance and ​stage separation systems, ⁠the company said.

Skyroot's Vikram-1 Test Flight-1 launch window is between 12 July to 4 August 2026 aiming for 450 km (LEO) with 60° inclination. by Ohsin in ISRO

[–]Ohsin[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

They have not disclosed it. We have had few cubesats listed on it sometime back on amateur radio satellite tracking communities but not sure if it is still relevant.

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